On Monday evening, May 22, Jerusalem’s First Station was transplanted to Central Asia, as the Embassy of Georgia in Israel, together with the city of Batumi and Tibilisi , hosted a cultural festival highlighting the rich diversity of Georgian cuisine, music and dance.
Guests from all over Jerusalem enjoyed traditional Georgian foods, along with fresh fruit and the famed Georgian wine. Various stands spread around First Station allowed Israelis to learn how to prepare, and to taste dishes like Khachapuri, Churchkhela and other beloved Georgian specialties. There were also pamphlets with information and tips for tourism in Georgia
On the main stage, dancers of all ages, including childrenfrom Ensemble Fesvebi / ანსამბლი ფესვები , performed a variety of lively Georgian folk dances, and sang traditional songs. Located at the center of the First Station and in the heart of Jerusalem, the area was packed with Israelis eager to witness the performances. H.E. Mr. Lasha Zhvania, the Ambassador of Georgia in Israel, was in attendance as well, along with Kobi Shabtai, the head of the Israeli police force, and representatives of the tourism department of Batumi. Batumi is Georgia’s second largest city, and its tourism hub, with its position on the Black Sea making it a tourist attraction for people from all over the world.
Georgian-Israeli relations are strong, with over 100,000 Georgian Jews living in Israel, and over 10,000 Jews in Georgia. Tbilisi, the capital, has kosher restaurants and multiple synagogues, and there are synagogues in several over cities in Georgia, including Batumi. Many students from Israel study in Georgia as well. Notably, the Georgian Jewish community has never faced any kind of anti-Semitism.
While Batumi and Tbilisi get the most attention, many other Georgian cities are attractive spots to visit as well, with skiing during winter season and beautiful nature hiking in the summer. There are direct flights between Tel Aviv and both Batumi and Tbilisi.
The following evening, on Tuesday, May 23, the embassy hosted a concert of Georgian music, as the culmination of the festival and in commemoration of Georgian Independence Day.
For more information on visiting Batumi, see the tourism ministry site: https://gobatumi.com/en
Diplomacy.co.il congratulates the Embassy of Georgia, and the Batumi Ministry of Tourism, on this wonderful initiative to promote Israelis visiting Georgia.
Photos Silvia Golan
More Pics & Videos at Facebook Diplomacy Israel and Israel Diplo / Silvia G Golan
